Local music, local language, local impact

Africa Inland Mission (AIM) missionary Rosina Ferdinand and her coworkers wanted some Gospel songs for the newly-translated scripture portions in the Sakalava language, so they asked Ladis, founder of the local band, Groupe Tsinfitaka (see their music video). Ladis and the other band members had grown up together in Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Ladis was raised in Islam, which taught him that music was from Satan, and he must abandon his guitar and drums. He couldn’t stay away though, and the missionaries asked the band to take a verse from Genesis and make a song about God creating the world. Rosina says, “They came back in just two days! We gave them another verse, and in less than a week they returned.”

The group of friends sang the Word of God before they even knew what it was all about, and Rosina thought God was working to change their hearts. The band was invited to sing at the missionary retreat, and during the altar call, Ladis came forward to give his life to Jesus. Five band members accepted Christ before the end of the retreat.

From that time, Ladis’ heart began to grow in love for his community. He composes worship songs by reading the Bible, asking God for help, and writing. Then the group meets to put the music together. After checking with leaders to ensure it is scriptural, they record the song and sing it with the church.

Ladis says, “Because God’s Word came in Sakalava and in music, now there are Sakalava who are following God.” Rosina agrees: “Now, Sakalava people are singing the Gospel in their own rhythm. That speaks powerfully to the local people.”

Their story is one that could be repeated all over Africa—using the local language, local music, and local people to make the Word of God alive through music and local arts. Watch the band’s story at https://bit.ly/3v9xpku (A ministry of AIM Stories).